CV TIPS FOR 2020

Avoid the “Generic” CV

A CV is a tool in your job search, it is there to highlight your strengths and promote specific experience. The crucial element here is specific. While it is a good idea to have a basic outline ready when updating your CV for a current job search, it is never a good idea to rely on it. Making sure to tailor your CV for each and every job you apply for is essential, at any stage of your career. “Generic” CVs show, and employers/recruiters can recognise them easily. Researching the company or role you are applying for not only shows a level of pre-established interest, but it also helps your CV stand-out when there are consistent cross-parallels between your CV and the role requirements.

Choose the Correct Format

Formatting may seem like the most basic starting point when updating or creating a new CV, but there are different styles which aid different fields of work. Reverse chronological can be the most ideal way to breakdown your career while still highlighting your most recent and relevant experience, but don’t be afraid to change it up. Bringing out your specific skills and placing them immediately at the top can ensure full consideration for any skill-specific roles (software, achievements, etc).

Don’t be Afraid to Cut Content

While it is essential to cover all revenant experience when applying for specific jobs, it is equally important to know what doesn’t need to be included. This is increasingly important the further along your career you are. Listing every individual piece of experience from the beginning of your career can lead to a overly-long and information heavy document. A good CV, regardless of the amount of experience you have, should be easily digestible and simple to understand.

What to Include in Role Descriptions

Explaining the contents of your roles is the most basic way to highlight your experience. But again, how to get that information across can make the difference. Breaking down your role into main responsibilities, teams sizes and key accomplishments can quickly get across all relevant information. Role descriptions really only need to be two or three sentences long – additional information becomes superfluous and takes away much needed space elsewhere.  

Demonstrate Key Results

When you showcase the roles you have worked in and the responsibility you have, emphasising the impact you had on the company through specific and proven results can help make your CV standout. This can be through examples of deadlines reached before schedule, KPIs hit, SEO growth, or anything relevant to the role you are applying for. Breaking these down (don’t be afraid to bullet point them), can immediately show the potential employer or recruiter why you are the right candidate for the role.